Introduction
In San Mateo County, California, short-term rentals (STRs), commonly referred to as "vacation rentals," are legal but subject to strict regulations. Property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit and comply with zoning laws, which restrict their properties to residential areas. Notably, rentals are limited to 120 days per year if the host is not present, and hosts must pay a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 10% on the rent collected. The STR market is diverse, with properties ranging from coastal homes and vacation cabins to urban apartments, thriving in both tourist and business travel sectors. As the area is near Silicon Valley, many STRs cater to business travelers attending conferences or visiting tech firms, although tourism peaks during summer and local events. The San Mateo County Planning Department and local city planning departments oversee these regulations, ensuring compliance. For further details, visit the official government websites: San Mateo County Short-Term Rentals and City of San Mateo Short-Term Rentals.
Length of stay
Less than 30 consecutive calendar days
A transient occupancy tax of 14% is levied by the city. Monthly payments are made to the City by renters who collect the tax from their guests.
It is not permitted to hold weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, business activities, or any other events of a similar nature at the short-term rental property if they could potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
Building, health, and safety regulations in San Mateo County do affect short-term rentals, particularly in the Coastal Zone.
Zoning regulations
Yes, there is zoning for short-term rentals in San Mateo County, specifically within certain parts of the unincorporated Coastal Zone.
Licenses and permits required
Yes, a license or permit is required
Registration and Licensing fees
The STR Registration is non-refundable and costs $250 per year. It must be renewed by July 1st of each year. Keep in mind that the application deadline for STR Registration is July 1st of the same year.
Property inspection laws
No, inspections are not required
The Short-Term Rental property is not permitted to host weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, commercial functions, or any other events of a similar nature that can potentially cause issues with parking, traffic, noise, or other neighborhood concerns.
Before advertising or making your property available for short-term rental, you must register your primary residence as a Short-Term Rental with the city. This registration includes submitting a form with your contact information, the address of the residence being used for short-term rental, contact information for a local contact person, and an acknowledgment of compliance with the city's Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Codes.
Properties with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space. Properties with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces.
A Local Contact Person is provided as part of registration application and renewal in order to assist with potential noise, parking, trash, or traffic issues. This person must be available 24 hours, seven days a week during the term of a rental stay. They must respond with 60 minutes and take remedial action to resolve any complaints.
Waste Disposal Regulations are outlined to ensure that these accommodations do not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods.
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=logo}
